Thursday, June 29, 2017

Casa, Sweet Casa

 
Sunset in Salinas

There are many things that Bill and I have enjoyed experiencing during our travels in the Caribbean.  Trying new foods in the grocery stores and restaurants, exploring white and black sand beaches, collecting interesting shells (Ok, that's just me), meeting new people and learning about their lives, and, of course, seeing the sights and experiencing new ways to get there (check out my posts on Haiti to see how we got around with several unique modes of transportation) have all been things that we really enjoyed.

   We are continuing to do all these things in Puerto Rico but, since Puerto Rice is a U.S. territory, we have the added bonus of a few "comforts of home".  Now, don't get me wrong.  We aren't the sort of people to demand or "need" a particular band of product or service and we certainly don't think that the only place to live is in the States.  It is simply icing on the cake, if you will, that we are still able to experience all that a new country has to offer while simultaneously being able to take an Uber to the local Wal-Mart and pick up fresh milk (Say what you will but, powdered or UHT milk does NOT taste the same).    

Monument to fishermen in Salinas
   For the past couple of weeks, we have been making short hops around the south side of Puerto Rico.  I must say that this has been a very welcome change to the numerous over-nighters or multi-nighters that we were pulling before we reached U.S. waters again.  Because Puerto Rico is a relatively small island with lots of little "hidey holes", we can simply sail/motor for a few hours or so, drop anchor, and move on once we've seen the sights and the weather is good.

   Currently, we are in Salinas, less than seventy miles from Culebra (where we plan on hanging out for the remainder of hurricane season). Salinas is relatively small town that has a little more than the basics; a grocery store, Wallgreens, hardware store and a few restaurants are all within walking distance.  One of the marinas here, known for its friendliness to cruisers, allows those of us that are anchored out to use their facilities free of charge and is run with a definite level of trust.  After filling up our diesel cans today, we payed and mentioned that we would need more later.  The gentleman that ran the card said that we should have told him before we paid.  "Next time", he said, "we'll just keep a tab running for you".  


So, how did we get here?  What did we do along the way? Allow me to show you . . .
 
The Massa Cafe
Our first meal out in Puerto Rico - a traditional beef stew,
beans and rice, and veggies



   Our first stop was in Mayaguez.  This was a nice place to recoup after the crossing from the Dominican Republic. A well-stocked grocery store and a Wal-mart allowed us to re-provision.  Friendly locals offered advice and directions.  The local children even added to our experience.  Upon returning from Wal-Mart, we found a bunch of children playing in our dinghy.  Once we, with the help of a rather talkative English-speaking boy, explained that they were sort of playing in our "car", they not only got our but, after asking a few questions about us living on our boat (the only one in the harbor), helped us safely get the dinghy away from the dock.


 





   Boqueron was next. This was a pretty cool place to just roam around.  It was a touristy area but, not uncomfortably so (albeit the music was a bit loud on the weekends). We got a few laughs out of watching the locals ride the "double banana" squealing and, at times, toppling into the waters. Colorful buildings decorate a beautiful stretch of beach. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. We couldn't stay for too long, however, because the only place for groceries was a convenience store.  

The "double banana" is on the left











Prosciutto Pizza?  Yes, please! 






















 

   After Boqueron, we anchored out overnight at La Parguera; not much here, just a place to rest.  Then it was on to Ponce.  So far, this has been my favorite stop in Puerto Rico.  If you can't find something that piques your interest here, you might need to make sure that your travel bug didn't fly out of it's cage.  This place has something for everyone.  What to just roam and check out the view?  No problem; There's plenty to see.  Craving some cheap, delicious eats? Take your pick.  What to learn something new? How about a museum?  What to see something truly unique? Check out the fire station (I'll explain).

  On a day trip through Ponce we did our best to soak up some local color.  There are two main squares here and all of the sights seem to be woven into the streets surrounding these squares.  The area is quite appropriately known as "Las Delicias".

 
Hmmm . . . colorful, knitted, tree sweaters?

















   First on the list was the fountain. This Fountain of Lions is one of the many odes to Ponce de Leon (the city's namesake).  the leon (lion) is EVERYWHERE.  The fountain happens to be one of the oldest and, in my opinion, more tasteful tributes.  It was actually purchased at the 1939 New York World's Fair, shipped to Ponce, and reassembled in the square.















   Just off of the fountain, is that fire station I mentioned in the Parque de Bombas (Park of Pumps).  The station built in 1883 (spurred on by the Governor after a series of devastating local fires) was built of wood and painted in red and black stripes to match the cities flag.There are even lions inside the building; they were painted by local artists, each representing a different aspect of Ponce's culture.



Grand staircase in the station 








Portraits of some of the men that served here



Colorfully painted lions




Notice the stained glass




















 
The original door
   One of the things that I definitely wanted to see was a museum.  Unfortunately, the art museum and the music museum were closed on the day we were there.  So after grabbing some tasty tacos at a place called Jalapenos and some ice cream at King's Creamery (a local legend). We headed to the Ponce History Museum.  The museum is housed in the former residence of a local government official from the turn of the century.  The house was a wedding present to his wife and, as a loving tribute from the community, when the home was altered/restored as a museum, the original door and surrounding stained glass was preserved.  
Original blue print for the house
An old Linotype - used to set type
and print news articles

These boys were the sons of the owners of the house -
there are small tributes to the family throughout the house




















We've seen these little Sunfish all over Puerto Rico -
The kids love to practice
   After Ponce we pulled into Salinas. We have been here for about a week and are enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

  In case you're concerned about the fact that it's almost July and there could potentially be a hurricane or two trying to brew up . . . I thought I'd put your minds at ease; we have a plan.  As I mentioned earlier, we plan on staying in Culebra for the summer.  This is a great hurricane hole (should one arrise) just off of the east coast of Puerto Rico. There is supposed to be plenty to see and do there but, there is also another motive for staying close to the island.

  I have decided to start teaching English part-time.  Now don't get worried that we're going to stop traveling because we're not.  The job is online teaching children one-on-one in China.  So, I will be teaching in another country but, my commute will consist of walking from stern to midships. There are plenty of little islands and spits to visit on day sails. I simply, for a little while anyway, need to be close to a strong internet connection. Besides we'd have to stop somewhere for hurricane season.

Simeon says, "Thank you", too
Thanks to everyone who keeps checking in on us.  So long for now . . . BTW, if you're interested in an online education job and are a certified teacher you can check out VIPKID and if you're interested in applying, please click here for a referral. That way we both win! :)


 




   Please let us know what you think. Feel free to ask questions and leave nice comments. (If no one has commented yet, there will be a "No Comments" link near the bottom of the post. If someone has already commented, there will be a number and the word "comments" beside it. Just click whichever of these is there, click, "add comment" when the window opens, and type away.)

6 comments:

  1. Katie,
    As usual, I loved reading your blog and enjoyed the outstanding pictures you took. Loved the picture of the fire station, and it is interesting how you don't really see the many stained glass windows from the outside. Glad you took the picture of all those beautiful stained glass windows from inside the building. Glad you both are enjoying life on the water. Really glad to hear you are in a hurricane hole for hurricane season. Enjoy your online teaching with those students across the globe. Look forward to your next update. In the meantime, stay safe and be happy!

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  2. Hi,I'm Tom and Linda's sister. I love reading your blogs and was on the edge of my seat with your Haiti escapades. It's looks like this is an amazing time. I'm trying to convince Tom to take me next time but I'm worried about seasickness! Otherwise, I can definitely keep up. I forwarded your VIPKids to my colleagues who are retired, as I hope to do in December.

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  3. Dear Katie and Bill! It's been way to long! I so hope you guys are ok after Irma! Please let us know, feeling worried here on the other side of the world. Best, Else and Johan (else.vanschijndel@gmail.com)

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  4. Dear Bill and Katie! We are a little worried about you guys and really hope you guys are ok! Can you please let us know when you get back online? Love Johan and Else from Trilogy (else.vanschijndel@gmail.com)

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  5. I'm not seeing any blogs here more recent than this June 29th one. I was texting Bill in early Aug but haven't heard anything since then. I'm hoping you guys are ok since these hurricanes rolled through. I'm looking for word here that you guys are ok. Please post something here when you can so that we can breath easy again. Fingers crossed!

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  6. Katie and Bill,
    I have been checking your blog and checking my emails every day hoping to find a message that you are okay and Second Chances made it through hurricane Irma. Look forward to when you have internet and can update us with news.

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Please let us know what you think. Feel free to ask questions and leave nice comments.